Written by Mean Lean on Saturday, 04 June 2011 14:14

Good afternoon all,

The weather in London is wonderful at the moment, sun shine beating down all over the place. I just wish someone had told me this earlier as I wouldn't have worn jeans and a long sleeve top. Maybe I need to take some responsibility and check out the forecast before hand. I bloody need to show some more mental strength and organisation in my life.

As will be the case for the most part, there isn't a great deal of news to talk about and most of the 'news' will consist of what journo's tell us, I will get to that in a second or two.

Firstly everyone's favourite Arsenal midfielder (Denilson, not Cesc) has rubbished talk of wanting to leave because of our lack of trophies, instead clarifying that he wanted to try a different league. He wants to find a good European club and if not he wants to go back to Brazil for six months. I don't know what that means exactly. If he cannot find a suitable club will we loan him to Brazil?

If both clubs have decided to go their separate ways then I do not see how a loan move would benefit Arsenal, unless of course he can produce performances on par with Lionel Messi, thus pushing up his transfer fee.

I don't understand his quotes about having his best season, surely that has to be a translation problem or something because it would be very difficult to have your best season when you have only started six Premier League games. Unless in those games you managed to score five and assist a further six in each of those games, unless I missed something, he hadn't.

I really hope he manages to get a good move and then manages to produce his best football. I like watching Denilson when he is playing well and full of confidence. It has been a little while since we have seen that but a few performances instantly come back to me. Coming on at Goodison Park he was very good. He, along with Jack totally ran the show at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup. The way we kept the ball that day was wonderful to watch and Denilson's movement and ball retention was a joy to watch.

Stick him in a decent Spanish team and I think opinions of him will slowly change from 'Denilson you are shite' to 'Clearly he wasn't suited to the Premier League'

The Cesc Fabregas stories have been revving up in the background with reports that Barcelona have agreed long contracts with a few of their targets before agreeing with the clubs. One of those supposed targets was finalised today. Mexican Alexis Sanchez has moved to Barcelona from Udinese for £23m with Jeffren going in the opposite direction.

So I guess our stance will continue. Put up or shut up! But as we all know, Barcelona will never shut up, it remains to be seen, whether they put up or not.

The Daily Star have come up with the Jermaine Defoe to Arsenal stories. I always feel somewhat suspect when only one paper runs with a story and that paper is a red top. While we are here and real news is somewhat difficult to come by, I am gonna run with it.

Defoe at Arsenal? Well I have two palms open in front of me, one with positives and the other negatives and one hand is lower than the other, can you guess which one?

Firstly, it would be nice to have a player who lives for goals. He is a player who has Premier League experience and would be a good impact striker off the bench if we needed goals and could possibly allow Arsene to revert back to 4-4-2 when the need arises.

On the other hand, he couldn't get into the Tottenham team last year, is a selfish player who doesn't really work for the team and would possibly take away from the players around him.

Which hand do you think is raised higher?

Another name mentioned recently is that of West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie I suspect that it is further nonsense talk but he has had a good season and gave us a bit of a run around at the Emirates this season. He also pressed the triangle button on Almunia at the Hawthorns. Someone with that sort of influence may well be a good acquisition as a squad member. The benefit of that type of player is that he can function in both wide and central areas which is very important in our system. It is part of the reason why Bendtner has not been able to shine and also why I think it would be a problem for Defoe.

Oh yeah, there was some Arsenal news that i had forgotten to mention and that was Robin Van Persie denying recent comments having a go at Chelsea players. I wonder if his words were said off the record. Anyway, it is exactly what we all think so whether he said so or not is almost irrelevant.

Anyhoo, that is that for today.

Enjoy the sunshine.

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Comments (40)

• 04-Jun-2011 14:32 | | andy fahy  - transfers
  

  i think if i was wenger get both defoe and odemwinge both exeptional players and have one as a sub i mean odemwinge just scores goals for fun and defoe is great infront of goal. why sign these two simple if van persie gets injured throw one of them in plus gervinho could be on his way in to arsenal he would be a great signing hes great on the ball and a cool finisher plus both samba and cahill and possibly scott parker if fabregas leaves.

• 04-Jun-2011 14:36 | | Bored  - Why bother with this stuff....
  

  What is the point of this blog?
  
  It's boring and just a rehash of the news that is everywhere. Why do you think 'True Arsenal Fans' would be interested in re-reading everything we already know in your witless boring style of writing?
  
  I suggest you close this shit blog site down and get a refund on your domain hosting fees.
  
  Thanks.

• 04-Jun-2011 14:39 | | Man United Killer  - here we go!
  

  woot! woot! I like the Defoe analysis.Bring on someone else.If we are gonna go for a selfish player we might as well find someone with a better goal to shots taken ratio.Selfish players are needed sometimes in teams but please Lord not the adulterated spurs defoe!

• 04-Jun-2011 14:44 | | brdgunner  - Use Him
  

  I think we could use Vela and Denilson to get a player like Cahill or if he wants him Samba. We have 5 or 6 good young players that could be used a a make weight for a new signing or two. I wanted Arsene to use Vela, Denilson and even the loan of another to get Parker in the Summer.
  
  I am not keen on or believe the Odi guy from West Brom rumours. The Ivory Coast Winger/Forward ooks like a goer, however, surely someone has to go to make way for him? As Wenger see's Nasri as a winger could he be going? It could be Bendtners replacment?
  
  I would have expected him to sign by now. Very worried about Nasri. It looks like Andrey will stay, hopefully we can make a couple of signings early to help hold on to other players.
  
  COME ON THE GUNNERS

• 04-Jun-2011 15:10 | | Tope.b  - Encouragement
  

  I prefer odi to defeo but i don't think dat money is enough to entice toth 4 there striker and we ought to have sign somebody by now

• 04-Jun-2011 15:11 | | Tope.b  - Encouragement
  

  I prefer odi to defeo but i don't think dat money is enough to entice toth 4 there striker and we ought to have sign somebody by now

• 04-Jun-2011 15:17 | | MeanLean
  

  Alternatively you could not read the site and stick to other blogs without being so insulting. An even better option would be to point me in the direction of your own fine work so I could be educated. Thanks in advance.

• 04-Jun-2011 15:42 | | frankie frankie  - Odemwingie is average.
  

  i think if we buy Odemwingie I would cry. he is not the quality player i hope we would get. Trust me Odemwingie did welll for west brom but that is all he is ever going to do. put this guy in the champoions league and he will crumble. he was rubbish in russia and in france and has not been that brilliant with nigeria. he is average at best. I wouldn't mind defoe. at least he has a proven goal scoring record over the years. one good season for west brom doesn't make odemwingie world class. Stay away from him. Please.

• 04-Jun-2011 15:47 | | MeanLean
  

  FF, I must say that he doesn't strike me as Arsenal quality but that being said, we will always need squad players or impact players, especially if we are short on players in that mould. I think its probably unlikely to happen anyway.

• 04-Jun-2011 16:11 | | bored?  - offended?
  

  why would a true Arsenal fan be interested in re-reading AND replying to a boring style of writing?
  who are you? Denilson?

• 04-Jun-2011 16:13 | | andy fahy
  

  theres nothig wrong with odemwinge in fact he is way better then fernando torres. at least odemwinge scores plus rumour has it kaka is considering joing arsenal since he dosent start 4 real

• 04-Jun-2011 16:42 | | modern idiot
  

  the loan move would save us the wages

• 04-Jun-2011 16:54 | | Princess T
  

  Jermaine defoe is good for arsenal and likewise odewinge is also good in his own part.all we are saying is that we need strong stricker like gervinho

• 04-Jun-2011 17:50 | | Passenal  - Back to reality
  

  Yes, lets buy every player linked to Arsenal, never mind about the 25 player rule etc, etc!
  
  Some people need to think before they post!
  
  AV - Denilson was earlier reported as saying this was his worst season, so I'm sure it's a mistranslation. He is a good player and I'm sure he will be even better in the right league. Unfortunately the low technical quality of the PL and the 'kick and rush' style just did not suit him. I really hope he makes it elsewhere as he deserves better than the treatment meted out to him recently. He was very unlucky that there was someone in the squad with the right passport who needed games to develop, despite the fact that it cost Arsenal points at crucial moments in the season.

• 04-Jun-2011 17:55 | | Bored
  

  Hahaha...
  
  Pathetic.
  
  All of these so called 'blogs' are just bollox.
  
  Mugs reading the news and commenting on it...complete waste of time and so BORING.
  
  As I said, give it up.

• 04-Jun-2011 17:58 | | Bored
  

  They wouldn't.
  
  Especially over bullshit details of Defoe, the shit yid scum.
  
  This type of blog, open to comments is just a sad, crapier version of Newsnow.

• 04-Jun-2011 18:09 | | Anonymous
  

  
  never of them get better Defoe is not bad but too short , wenger says he needs tall players, but wenger not wanting to spend money , this may be our only option for strikers.

• 04-Jun-2011 18:12 | | MeanLean
  

  Wow, you hate these blogs so much that you actually came back. Sad.

• 04-Jun-2011 19:43 | | omar_gunner
  

  i think we should 1st get ricky alverez, i doubt u ppl have seen him play... He dribbles like messi, even ahead of nasri and unstoppable in BPL... Secondly if we want a striker then we should get falcao or higuain.. But higuain is injury prone.... Thats why i want falcao... Would love to see samba and baines comming inn. Thanx

• 04-Jun-2011 20:11 | | Ryan
  

  What a silly argument - 'let's see if you could do any better'.
  
  I'm not a musician but that doesn't mean I'm unable to criticise music. I'm not a movie-maker but that doesn't mean I can't tell a bad movie when I see one. More to the point, I'm not a professional footballer, but I sure as hell can comment on their performances.
  
  'Bored' may not have a blog of his own, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he's unqualified to comment on yours!

• 04-Jun-2011 20:16 | | Pires07
  

  Odemwingie just reminds me of when we signed Chris Kiwomy from ipswich! Fairly lacklustre and midtable player at best. Our signings are based on whether cesc, clichy and nasri stay. If they do then expect the likes of Gervinho, oxlade-chamberlain and a central midfielder from France. If one of those 3 leave then I'd expect a world class player to come in; benzema, gourcouff or an established international like inler or Valbuena.
  
  Still feel we need a new cb after djourou's defensive display today.

• 04-Jun-2011 20:18 | | MeanLean
  

  Ryan,
  
  I am a for constructive criticism, it goes with the territory when writing a blog. I was more annoyed with the unnecessary tone in his comment.

• 04-Jun-2011 20:29 | | A friend  - Just a friendly suggestion.
  

  Hi, mean lean. I've never posted here before, but i've been regularly reading your blog and i like your positive outlook. Now, it's a bit of a turn off when you let people post racist insults and abuse on here. So please if it's possible, could you try to add a feature that allows you delete such nasty posts. Believe me, it's really improve the quality of your site. Hope you'll consider this- thanks.

• 04-Jun-2011 21:17 | | Man United Killer  - agree with FF
  

  NO! ML...I agree with FF..We dont want him.That will be adding quantity not quality.He is okay but at this point we need more than that.Sorry Odemwingie.

• 04-Jun-2011 21:25 | | Man United Killer  - Bored's criticism
  

  Ryan, I dont know if you visit this site often or not but there are a bunch of people who criticize Mean Lean (just like all other bloggers are criticized due to varying opinions) all the time for the contents of his posts and I can confidently tell you I am the leader of that pack.I rarely see eye to eye with him...But I dont think it's too much for the man to ask that some respect be shown in criticizing his work.I think it's a fair request.
  I understand 'Boreds' view but I also feel it was a bit harsh.

• 04-Jun-2011 21:27 | | GoonerEris
  

  Denilson's words were to the effect that this was his 'worst season', so not sure where you read that he said it was his best.
  FF, Odemwingie was actually the player of the year in Nigeria for the 2010 season and should easily take that accolade again, this year. He was a star for Lille in France while it lasted, featuring in 2 UCL seasons for them before going to Russia to honour his Mother's wish. I agree he is not the top quality player we need, but as an impact sub, they don't come any better as he is a big game player and will be a fan favourite, easily; at 4m, it will be a steal.

• 04-Jun-2011 23:22 | | Iron Man
  

  Hey ML,
  
  Don't want to cause a ruckus but I literally cannot see what you see in Denilson. Apologies if I sound rude because I don't mean it, but what am I missing? I try and give him the benefit of the doubt but all I see is an extremely limited footballer who is punching above his weight at a team like Arsenal.
  
  It's clear that he gets criticism from a great number of fans. Why do you honestly think this is? If he was really any good, would you really find so many people rejoicing his impending departure? I think it's unfair to say that fans are 'scapegoating' because people will generally always give credit where it's due when a player shows genuine improvement (ie. Song and to a lesser extent, Walcott).

• 05-Jun-2011 01:38 | | richie  - Why bother to read it?
  

  Worse if blogs bore you why would you read them and post a contribution? There is a conflict in your stated position thats made even more stupid by your continuing posts and comments. In the past when I've come across blogs that are negative I never bother to post, why would I? If someone doesn't like the style, content, or veiws expressed the "Normal" thing to (I suggest) is to move on. Its weird to bother posting a comment on something you feel negative towards.

• 05-Jun-2011 02:05 | | richie  - Sorry R but your defence is of bored is ridiculous
  

  Bored says he doesn't like blogs they are all bollox (I imagine he means bollocks) they are all mugs just reading the news and commentating on it. If thats genuinely how you felt, why ever would you post and join the blog making two posts?
  
  If he couldn't contain himself and he just had to post a comment then ML's blog has successeded because its meant to provoke comment. Not only that but he couldn't see the point so much posted again hilarious!
  
  Then when ML suggested he spend his valuble time doing something constuctive with it instead of wasting it telling us we were all mugs for commenting on this blog by commenting on it twice himself, you jump to his defence saying he has the right to call us all mugs for joining in on this blog. To sort out the contradictions in both yours and Bored's statements I'd need help from the psychiatric department.

• 05-Jun-2011 02:12 | | richie  - Whatever next?
  

  Its getting worse! Bored has now made 4 contributions to a blog he can't see the point in joining, if this continues I don't know about the rest of you but I'm expecting an article

• 05-Jun-2011 02:30 | | richie
  

  personally I wouldn't want the ex Spud reject, we've already suffered an ex (next to useless) Sly French Manu'er. Modric is the only worth while spud which is why Taggart will probably buy him, Its not that I have an aversion to all ex Spuds (I think its only right to support the smaller feeder clubs how else are the bigger clubs going to get players of Campbell's abilities)? We all know Sol was great for us.

• 05-Jun-2011 04:07 | | Weedz  - Being bored with Bored?
  

  Who made you God? Sorry that should be Chairn of the Bored.

• 05-Jun-2011 10:42 | | dkgooner  - Samba?
  

  Am I the only one praying we DON'T buy him? Yes, he's big and strong but has less pace than me. Doesn't fit our style at all. Can't understand that Wenger was alllegedly trying to buy him in Jan unless he was desperate.
  27/11/2010 ManU 7 Blackburn 1
  United's biggest win of the season. Need I say more?
  
  Kyle Bartley will be back from loan and is also big - Rangers want him again so that must say something. Jamie Sanderson on Young Guns said though that he was concerned about his lack of pace.
  
  One thing for sure - we need someone.

• 05-Jun-2011 12:23 | | Gunner2301mk2
  

  Denilson isn't a bad player per se. It is more a case of he doesn's suit the way Wenger has deployed him. He is more of a CM and when he first played for Arsenal in the CC he was adopted in that position where he played very well. Due to injuries and other absences he was played in a more defensive role that isnt his natural position. He would definitely benefit from being in a less physical league where he has more time on the ball and is played in a more central role, then we will probably be saying why did we let him go. It;s a case of Wenger playing players out of position, that don't really work but he sees it as a make do situation. In a way it is ruining players who cannot adapt, Walcott is one, Denilson another, Bendnter another who is played on the wing. It is clear that he doesn't have the right types of players to play the way he wants so rather than spending money he would rather convert, which in a lot of cases hansn't worked out. For these players and for the sake of their careers they need to leave Arsenal to re-find themselves and play with clubs that will play them in their favoured positions or stay and be ruined, the only saving grace is that they have seen sense and recognised for the sake of their own progression they need to move on and are young enough to start over somewhere else.

• 05-Jun-2011 12:34 | | MeanLean
  

  Hey IM,
  
  Sorry for the delayed response, just managed to catch up with the comments.
  
  No ruckus whatsoever, clearly Denilson divides opinion and it appears a number of fans do not rate him.
  
  I think when he is playing well and consistently then I think he is a good player. I do not think he has anywhere the same potential as Wilshere for example but that said, they are different players, different roles.
  
  I think for a possession based side, he is the type of player that keeps the ball moving consistently well. He also makes a hell of a lot of interceptions.
  
  I think his style of play doesn't stand out and his good work is sometimes overlooked. I remember the same being said of Gilberto who was often criticised for giving the ball away and not making enough slide tackles yet when he was absent from the side we missed him badly. Obviously we haven't missed Denilson mainly due to the great form of Wilshere.
  
  I believe that had Denilson improved and continued from 2008-09 when I thought he was consistent then he would have stamped his authority over this team and Jack may not have had his chance so soon but the truth is back problems and lack of form has seen him drop furiously down the pecking order and a move away is better for both parties.
  
  I am willing to put my neck on the block and say that if Denilson plays for a top team in another league then he will stand out as a top performer.
  
  Only time will tell.

• 05-Jun-2011 12:37 | | MeanLean
  

  I wouldn't tolerate racism on here and I apologise if I have missed anything in the past but if I did see it then it would be instantly removed. Thank you

• 05-Jun-2011 14:58 | | mr h
  

  I feel like I'm getting into the comments a bit late, but I'm going to do something I don't normally do: point out some mis information...
  
  'Mexican Alexis Sanchez has moved to Barcelona from Udinese' He is from Chile and he is a massive fan favourite. I didn't know he had gone to Barca, good for him, he is a great player, but he is great for two reasons: Isla and Inler. Since I'm staying in Chile, and because of the Chilean contingent at Udinese (well... two players, Sanchez and Isla) I watched Udinese a few times.
  
  Inler and Isla would do well for the Gunners, and since they haven't been mentioned once this time around they have more chanc of coming than any of the other names mentioned by shitbrick hacks in the newspapers.
  
  I would in fact go so far as to say that the way Chile play (fast paced, ball on the ground direct and attacking football) makes some of their players perfect for Arsenal, Medel especially, a CDM who's played in Spain and did quite a good job against Messi by all accounts....
  
  Oh well... who cares, it's all just postulation. Just wanted to point out Sanchez's correct nationality.

• 05-Jun-2011 15:03 | | MeanLean
  

  You are spot on and I really should have known that. I really enjoyed the Chile side in the last world cup. God only knows where I got Mexican from.

• 05-Jun-2011 15:36 | | goonerbegood
  

  samba,cahill,.melo, young.
  
  for
  
  
  squid...denilson,bedtner,rosicky,

• 05-Jun-2011 17:18 | | mr h
  

  I hate being 'that guy' who makes corrections on blogs, it's just that I really think Mr Sanchez is on his way to being quite the prolific player.
  
  There were many who were tipping him to join Money bags, so the fact he's gone to Barca is great news

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